Sorghum Grain Mold

Abstract

<p>Grain mold, the most important and widespread disease of sorghum worldwide, is a major constraint to sorghum productivity. Grain mold development is particularly severe in the shortduration hybrid cultivars and varieties that are grown during the rainy season under warm and humid conditions. It is caused by a number of unspecialized fungal pathogens that severely affect grain mass, seed viability, grain quality and market price. A large volume of literature is available on studies related to various aspects of grain mold, including biology, epidemiology, association with mycotoxins and management methods. In this bulletin, attempts have been made to briefly describe the important findings of research done at ICRISAT and elsewhere, and to emphasize some of the recent developments on management of grain mold, including refined screening techniques, sources of resistance, genetics and mechanisms of resistance, resistance breeding and other management options, including an integrated management approach.</p>